The Hindu Mandir at Grayslake has announced hosting its Samoohika Shri Satya Narayana Katha Puja on Saturday, 20 December from 2:30pm onwards. The Chicagoland residents are requested to participate in this Mahotsav wherein the significance as well as importance of the Katha will be explained.
The “Kali” of Kali Yuga means “conflict”, “discord”, “quarrel” or “contention.’ Human civilization degenerates spiritually during the Kali Yuga, which is referred to as the Dark Age because in it people tend to move away from God and Dharma. Kali Yuga is full of problems which are mostly created by our own actions.
According to Vedas people need to observe four basic codes of conduct: Matru, Pitru, Acharya and Athiti as Devo Bhava. It literally means “be one for whom the Mother is God, be one for whom the Father is God, be one for whom the Teacher is God, be one for whom the guest is God. In Kali Yuga people tend to be result oriented and would not either perform any pooja or pray to God if the end result is non fulfillment of their desire.
If their wish fails to come true or they face many problems, they get disinterested in puja or rightful conduct. They would blame in the last analysis, God Almighty alleging that He is not taking care of them. As it is said in Ramayana, “kalahi karmahi isvarahi mithyaa dosh lagaa hi”.
Greed is very rampant among people in this age. They want to earn more money and become rich and fulfill their own personal needs. Their actions in pursuant of these desires give rise to ‘Asuri Pravarti’ and negative energy. Acharyas therefore tell us to become vigilant and righteous and go towards God to attain Moksha.
Resolving all these problems, there is only one solution – to perform Shree Satyanarayana Katha. The Satyanarayana Puja is worship of the embodiment of eternal Truth.
The word Satya means Truth and Narayan means he who is abiding in everybody and everything. Thus, the worship of Lord Satyanarayana in the form of Lord Vishnu suggests the removal of difficulties and problems either caused by this life or previous births. Worshipping Truth means being truthful to oneself. Then, be truthful to others and also to oneself.
The reasons for the popularity of this Katha are 1) it is very simple and easy to perform, and 2) it can be performed by anyone; young or old, man or woman, and even widows. It thus proves that as far as God is concerned, there are no barriers. It is only the sincerity, faith and devotion of the Bhakta (devotee) that counts.
It can also be performed on any day and at any time.
According to Lord Vishnu we should understand His message on how to perform Katha. He said that the Katha should be performed with utmost devotion by a right Brahmin priest along with your family members, relatives and friends.
Later on chant His name whole night. Worshipping, chanting or singing together creates harmony and positive vibrations, which help to overcome negative tendencies that cause conflicts and problems in our lives.
Everyone on this earth possesses three Gunas namely Rajo Guna, Sato Guna and Tamo Guna. After performing this Katha with full devotion we will attain victory over Sato Guna, spending the money on Dharma and serving others we will win over Rajo Guna, chanting Lord’s name in the night when negative energies are active we will conquest Tamo Guna.
Hindu philosophy pitches for respecting and serving other people to become more humble and get rid of ego problem.
This puja is performed to ensure the prosperity, abundance, happiness, wellbeing of the family and community members.
Pandit Anil Joshi
